Court decision sends message

Media Statement from Cr Oscar Yildiz JP, Moreland Mayor

Wednesday 13 April 2011, Moreland City Council

I am appalled that two savage and out of control dogs should be let loose in a park to corner a mother with a nine month old baby in a pram and attack her dog who was on a lead. It must have been a terrifying experience and it’s just as well that nobody was seriously hurt.

Today the dog owner faced court and received an expensive reminder about the necessity of keeping dogs under effective control at all times. We are satisfied with the Magistrate’s decision and hope that it sends a message to the community that when witnesses come forward we prosecute.

I really hope the new state government listens to councils and widens the scope of the law to ban vicious dogs. Does a child have to die before they act?